for the love of snow

After returning from MI last October, out of the blue Brad asked if I wanted to go back to our home away from home for Valentine's Day. I instantly said YES to our long lost tradition of celebrating not only our love, but enjoying nature in a place we love ~ the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. 

Reservations were made to stay at Spur of the Moment Ranch in "our" little cabin. Some of my most cherished memories are from visiting Oconto County. Our first visit to the Ranch in 2011 was to celebrate Brad's 50th. Koda and Nemo came with us, they were 4. 

We love the area so much that we seriously considered buying our own cabin. The locals are so nice. However it didn't make sense. We have such wonderful cabin hosts, who have become dear friends. We bought our land in 2016 and have only made it back for one short hiking visit with Tank. Building a homestead from scratch took over our lives. 

Our long awaited trip was upon us. Imagine my surprise when the forecast was changed to snow. Yippeeeee!! I won't delve deep into the joy of much needed and welcomed snow. Trails were opened for the first time this season. 

We had beeeautiful white fluffy snow!! With that said, I will be the first to admit that driving up/back pulling a trailer was not much fun for a stretch. The rest of our trip was pure joy!! Hugs & laughter were exchanged with our Ranch friends. We revisited a favorite local Supper Club, and tried two new to us restaurants. Including an old Boarding House Supper Club. 

The best part was time spent in the forest. Reconnecting with trails we've horseback ridden, snowmobiled and hiked. Stunning solitude for endless miles.

~~~~~

On our first full day we headed out mid morning, right off the ranch onto the main corridor. We only passed two riders. It was just us enjoying the forest the rest of our first ride.

Intersection
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I have a handy dandy (free!) app that tracks our rides. Below are a couple screenshots. There are others with ride details and even a 3D overhead feature that shows me moving through the trees. Fun!

Day two of our trip was Valentines Day! Trails north of the ranch were in need of snow. We chose to avoid them and stuck to the routes with the bestest snow coverage. Not a fan of riding sparse trails. Good thing the snow coverage included some of my favorite trails.

After a good nights rest, Valentines Day was my favorite day exploring the trails. I was on my game and according to Brad I had the zoomies. Most people would still consider it slow. Brad always wants me to be the lead sled, which comes with responsibility. He says I go faster. Whatever. Lol.

heading out
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windshield shots do not represent

We usually take our Valentines snow fun photo at a scenic lookout. However it is further north and a dicey trail that goes straight up, with big dips. One to avoid without more snow. We briefly stopped to take a memory photo of us together, before continuing through the whispering pines.

We had the trails to ourselves and did not see another sled the entire ride.

Complete forest bliss!

you can always tell who is holding the phone (me)
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More snow fell overnight, and we decided to hit the trails one last time before heading home. Our third ride was by far the prettiest! Mother Nature coated the trails and decorated every.single.tree with a dusting of fresh snow.

heading out for one more ride
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We rode among green majestic white kissed pines. Snow softly fell. Fluffy canopies and tree tunnels go on for miles. Pops of soft orange oak leaves are mixed in between. In one word, surreal.

quick phone photos taken at intersections

us again, on the main trail heading back

our (preferred) short day time rides

I do not have any words (or photos) that describe being surrounded by endless beautiful trees in the Nicolet right after/during a snowfall. Slowly meandering er' riding. Just soaking. In awe. Maybe some day I will get that Go Pro.

We passed a few riders, common for a weekend. Some with kids on two seaters. Everyone we encountered had good trail manners.

The last connecting trail we rode back literally rendered me to tears. We've enjoyed it all seasons by hoof, foot and sled. It is my favorite horseback riding trail. Especially stunning in the Fall. So many memories came flooding back. I didn't want it to end.

saying goodbye to owner Ann outside our cabin

Farewell hugs were shared, until next time.

daughter Sarah is a savvy horsewomen and manages the ranch now

Truly look forward to meandering and feeling the Nicolet again, in all modes of travel!